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SpOC launches Space Force’s first two IMD betas
Oct 16, 2023
SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. –
Space Operations Command launched the first two provisional Integrated Mission Deltas on Oct. 13 here.
The provisional Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Integrated Misson Delta was activated in a ceremony presided over by Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, Space Operations Command commander.
The Electromagnetic Warfare IMD stood up the same day.
Establishing these provisional IMDs is an important step in the Space Force’s effort to forge a purpose-built service under the Unified Mission Readiness concept.
The PNT and EW missions are well-established and good proving grounds for this concept. “Performance should be optimized around our missions rather than the functions that support them; we cannot afford to split a mission area’s critical activities across organizational seams,” said Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman, in a memo released Sep. 12, 2023. “It is essential that all elements of readiness - people, training, equipment and sustainment - fall into the same organizational structure, and that we create unity of command around those elements at the lowest possible level.”
IMDs are part of a new provisional Space Force construct that will integrate acquisitions around space mission areas. This command structure orients all aspects of mission area readiness, from personnel to sustainment, within a single organization under the leadership of a command team with the requisite experience to oversee all facets of the IMD’s mission.
The PNT Delta (Provisional) activation ceremony included the assumption of command by Col. Andrew Menschner and featured opening remarks from Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, Space Operations Command commander.
“Today marks a significant milestone, not only for Space Operations Command and the Space Force, but for our entire nation as we embark on a journey to optimize and enhance our readiness during an era marked by great power competition,” said Whiting. “One of two pioneering IMD units, the PNT IMD will function as a vital bridge connecting our operations, engineering, and capability development experts. Its noble purpose is to eliminate stovepipes, expedite maintenance, and usher in critical systems enhancements at an unprecedented pace.”
The goal of the IMD concept is to foster unity of command for readiness while simultaneously streamlining unity of effort for capability development.
This new command structure will be thoroughly tested prior to being considered for implementation across the force and will not affect SpOC’s core mission.
Space Operations Command is the fight-tonight force and first Field Command of the U.S. Space Force. SpOC’s mission is to protect America and our allies in, from and to space…now and into the future.
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3561140/spoc-launches-space-forces-first-two-imd-betas/
5 SWS activation ceremony
Published Oct. 16, 2023
BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. –
The 5th Space Warning Squadron activation and assumption of command ceremony was held on Oct. 13, 2023, at the Leadership Development Center at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado.
5 SWS was established and activated in 1992 and inactivated in 1999. Though this squadron has been inactive for many years, its essential contributions to space domain awareness have caused it to be reactivated by Space Delta 4.
Not only did 5 SWS provide the only ground support station in the southern hemisphere for the Defense Support Program for nearly 53 years, but it also provided global and theater early warning reporting on ballistic missiles launched in the eastern hemisphere from 1992-1999. This squadron’s excellence earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit award on numerous occasions for providing unparalleled global missile warning detection.
“To the owls of the 5th Space Warning Squadron, today you are making history,” said Col. Ernest Schmitt, Space Delta 4 commander. “I feel lucky that I get to be here to celebrate the activation of 5 SWS, and it's an honor for Space Delta 4 to reactivate it and usher in a new era for the United States Space Force.”
The mission of this squadron is to uphold what was once the Army’s Joint Tactical Ground Station missile warning system. JTAGs has been a part of the missile warning framework and an essential component for the United States European Command, United States Central Command and the United States Indo-Pacific Command since its first activation in 1999 with the Army’s 1st Space Brigade.
Over the course of its lifespan, JTAGs has been conducting critical theater missile warning operations for decades by providing real-time, 24/7 missile warning information, ensuring effective execution of military functions across the joint force.
“This mission coupled with the capabilities all the combat squadrons of Delta 4 bring to the fight and the capabilities that are planned for delivery for the next few years ensures that Delta 4 can provide the necessary warfighting capabilities that will be needed to meet adversary threats now and to the future,” said Schmitt.
Following Schmitt’s remarks, he introduced Lt. Col. Michael A. Provencher, 5th Space Warning Squadron commander. Provencher has had an extensive career, first serving in the Air Force, then transferring to the Army, before beginning his journey in the Space Force. His experience with missile operations, serving as a Company Commander, Security Force Advisor and Assistance Team Leader, and more make him uniquely qualified to serve in this capacity.
“Space Delta 4 combines into one architecture for missile warning and we want to thank the 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd theater missile warning companies of the 1st Space Battalion for everything they’ve been doing to help support us,” said Provencher. “We’ve had Guardians alongside those companies for the past year who’ll be serving beside them through next spring and we couldn’t do it without their support.”
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3561149/5-sws-activation-ceremony/